Samburu women in their “everyday” wearThe trip started with a flight in a 5-seater plane. We flew over the many buildings in Nairobi- the skyscrapers and tin roofs common in slum areas. The further we traveled the more desolate the land became- dried up rivers, craters, and no development for miles. After the 1.5 hour flight, we landed in Marsabit- a windy, dusty, and dry place. Most of the women cover their heads and instead of Kiswahili I was introduced to the local tribal language called Borana.
Aerial view of Nairobi slums
The landscape as we flew to Northern KenyaThe second day I traveled with Bishop Todd McGregor and a group from Florida to a village called Kamboe. Kamboe experienced extreme famine in the mid 1990s- where most of their livestock died- but now with the help of USAID a source for water has been found. The houses are manure huts and the day spent herding cattle and goats. Amazingly, there is school in this remote village that in the past 4 years has become one of the top primary schools in the Province. The students wake up at 4:30 to begin studying and the benefits from their dedication are being seen. It was encouraging to see the importance of education in such an isolated place.
Children from the Komboe villageI am back in Nairobi feeling unsettled in my once comfortable environment. Nairobi is a bustling city- the complete opposite of huts and long walks to the get water. Sometimes the city consumes us and we get wrapped up in material things, in success, and in doing something. God has opened my eyes to just being- just experiencing- and just learning. The Samburu people are living a pure life- a life without drugs, alcohol, or other Western influences. Yes, they have many challenges, but they have a culture rich in love and living as a community. Many people in Kenya wish to go to America, yet I want to stay here and continue to learn. Life is about finding joy and hope and I think if we remove the distractions around us we can truly become what God desires us to be. We can become people who love one another unconditionally, who pray without ceasing, and who honor God with our lives.
Other happenings:
- A group with Hands on Hands from Florida spent time with us at Akiba. We had a great time painting the outside school walls with a map of Africa, Kenya, and other pictures to be used for learning purposes.
- Took a 14 hour bus trip to Uganda to go white water rafting. It was great to see another East African country- one that seemed safer and not quite as corrupt. Rafting the Nile River was quite an adventure, especially as we entered the last class 5 rapids (called the Bad Place), flipping and being tumbled through waves and rocks was an unforgettable experience.
- Our roommate Michelle has returned home. It was a real encouragement having her here. It is easy to become consumed in ministry work and forget about the people you are working with. Michelle allowed us to again find joy in what we are doing here.
- I will be home August 2nd through the beginning of September. Please let me know if you will be in the Northern Virginia area. It will be great to see people and catch up on your experiences in the past 10 months.
- Also, I am starting to fundraise for my second year in Kenya. I appreciate all of you who have supported me through emails, prayers, and finances this past year. An official support letter will go out in August, but in the meantime you can visit www.kenyaconnection.org
Anne
DOWNLOAD AS PDF: UPDATE 8, PICTURES FROM UPDATE 8
